Egg freezing, also called oocyte cryopreservation, is a process that is carried out by harvesting egg cells and freezing and storing them under controlled conditions in order to preserve fertility for women.1
Egg freezing is not an optional practice in our country. The application requirements for egg freezing, which in the past years could only be preferred by women diagnosed with cancer, have been expanded now. Now, this procedure is also performed for women whose egg reserve is decreasing and their ovaries need to be surgically removed for different reasons. Egg freezing can be done to single or married women.
The main purpose of egg freezing is to preserve female fertility. As they age, women's egg reserves and the quality of eggs decrease, which results in significant decreases in the rate of conception. While advancing age is one of the most important risk factors for female fertility, young women also have a variety of health issues that affect their fertility.
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments performed within cancer treatments can cause permanent damage to women's ovaries. For women who have cancer at a young age, egg freezing offers an important opportunity if they want to become mothers in the coming years. In Turkey, egg freezing, which was applied only to women who will receive cancer treatment in the past years, is now also applied to women who can confirm with three different specialist reports that her egg reserves are decreasing.
The procedure does not increase the existing ovarian reserve or promote the formation of new eggs. The aim is to preserve, as much as possible, the biological characteristics of the eggs at the time they are frozen. Once frozen, eggs do not continue to age. However, the health risks associated with the increasing age of the woman who carries the pregnancy remain.
An important point to know about egg freezing is that there is no guarantee that every frozen egg will survive thawing, become fertilized, develop into a healthy embryo, or result in a live birth.
| Egg Freezing | Embryo Freezing |
|---|---|
| An unfertilized mature egg is preserved. | A fertilized embryo that has begun to develop is preserved. |
| No sperm is used during the freezing stage. | Sperm is required to create an embryo. |
| In the future, the eggs are thawed and fertilized using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). | After thawing, the embryo can be transferred into the uterus under appropriate conditions. |
| The procedure is planned according to the future source of sperm and the legislation in force at the time of use. | The creation and use of embryos are subject to legal regulations. |
Which option may be considered depends on medical necessity, timing, marital status, and current legislation.
In Turkey, egg freezing may be performed for specific medical indications defined under the Regulation on Assisted Reproductive Treatment Practices. According to the current regulations, the main groups eligible for evaluation include:
For applications based on diminished ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause, a medical board report issued by three specialist physicians is required. The desire to postpone pregnancy for personal reasons alone is not considered a sufficient legal indication for egg freezing in Turkey.
The required reports and documents are explained during the initial consultation. This helps transform the application process from an uncertain bureaucratic burden into a clear and manageable roadmap.
Some chemotherapy drugs and radiotherapy treatments affecting the ovaries may lead to a reduction in ovarian reserve. The level of risk depends on the type of treatment, dosage, treatment area, the patient's age, and baseline ovarian reserve.
Whenever possible, fertility preservation should be considered before cancer treatment begins. The timing is determined jointly by the oncology team and the reproductive medicine specialist. In urgent situations, it may not be necessary to wait for a specific day of the menstrual cycle to begin ovarian stimulation.
In cases such as estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, special medication protocols designed to minimize increases in estrogen levels may be considered. This treatment plan is developed according to the characteristics of the patient's tumor and the schedule of oncological treatment.
The goal is not to delay cancer treatment unnecessarily. Instead, the oncology team and fertility specialist determine together whether there is a safe time window for fertility preservation.
Surgeries requiring the removal of part or all of the ovaries may affect ovarian reserve. Conditions such as ovarian cysts, endometriosis, ovarian torsion, and certain genetic or benign diseases may fall within this category.
Egg freezing is not automatically recommended for every patient undergoing surgery for endometriosis or recurrent ovarian cysts. The following factors are evaluated when making the decision:
Whenever possible, fertility preservation should be assessed before the scheduled surgery.
Diminished ovarian reserve indicates that the pool of eggs within the ovaries may be lower than expected for a woman's age. Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) testing and the number of small follicles observed on ultrasound help estimate the expected response to treatment.
AMH is not a test that directly measures egg quality. A low result should not be considered insignificant. Instead, it contributes to the clinical evaluation by providing information about the expected number of eggs and treatment planning.
A family history of menopause before the age of 40 may warrant evaluation for premature ovarian insufficiency. However, family history alone does not mean that early menopause will definitely occur in the future.
If diminished ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause is identified in women who have not yet given birth, the legal requirements and the need for a medical board report are explained.
No single test or age limit is used to determine eligibility for egg freezing. The following factors are taken into consideration during the evaluation:
During the first consultation, the patient's medical history and the medical indication for requesting egg freezing are reviewed. A pelvic ultrasound examination is performed, and previous test results are evaluated. If necessary, AMH and other blood tests are scheduled.
By the end of the consultation, the following questions are intended to be answered:
The initial consultation is not an appointment that obligates the patient to proceed with egg freezing. Its purpose is to reduce uncertainty by creating a personalized treatment roadmap.
There is no single "ideal age" that applies to everyone. One of the most important factors affecting egg freezing outcomes is the age at which the eggs are collected. Eggs retrieved at younger ages generally have a higher likelihood of developing into chromosomally normal embryos. This probability decreases as age advances.
If there is a medical indication, evaluation should be performed as early as reasonably possible. In women with diminished ovarian reserve or a family history of early menopause, the current ovarian reserve and the expected response to treatment may be more important than chronological age.
As women age, the likelihood of chromosomal abnormalities in eggs increases. This may affect fertilization, embryo development, miscarriage risk, and the chance of achieving a live birth.
The biological potential of frozen eggs is primarily related to the age at which they were collected. However, if pregnancy occurs at an older maternal age, additional health risks such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, and other pregnancy-related complications should be evaluated according to the mother's age at that time.
Once a low AMH level is detected, it is not possible to predict with certainty how it will change over the coming months or years based on a single test alone. The result should be interpreted together with the patient's age and ultrasound findings.
Women with a low AMH result are advised to consult a reproductive medicine specialist without panicking but also without unnecessarily delaying evaluation. In some women, only a limited number of eggs may be obtained during a single treatment cycle. If necessary, the option of additional treatment cycles can be discussed after the results of the first cycle are available.
The required tests may vary depending on the patient's medical history and the clinic's protocol. Commonly performed evaluations include:
For women receiving treatment for cancer or another medical condition, opinions from the relevant specialists and treatment records are also reviewed. Depending on the legal indication, preparation of a medical board report may be required.
The egg freezing process consists of the following stages:
Hormonal medications are used to support the development of multiple follicles within the same menstrual cycle. These medications are usually administered as daily subcutaneous injections. Detailed instructions on how to use them are provided on the first day.
Ovarian stimulation generally lasts 8–12 days. The starting day is determined according to the menstrual cycle, time limitations, and the medical indication.
During treatment, follicular growth is monitored by ultrasound. Hormone levels are checked when necessary. The number of follow-up visits varies according to the ovarian response. Medication doses may be adjusted based on the monitoring results.
The goal is to support the safe and balanced development of an adequate number of follicles.
Once the follicles reach the appropriate size, an injection is administered to trigger final egg maturation. This injection must be given at the specified time.
Egg retrieval is generally performed approximately 34–36 hours after the trigger injection. The type of trigger medication is selected according to the ovarian response and the risk of ovarian hyperstimulation.
Egg retrieval is performed under transvaginal ultrasound guidance. Most patients receive short-term sedation or anesthesia. The follicular fluid is aspirated using a fine needle and transferred to the embryology laboratory.
The procedure usually takes 15–30 minutes. Including preparation and recovery, patients may spend several hours at the clinic. It is recommended not to drive on the day of the procedure and to return home accompanied by another person.
In the laboratory, the maturity of the collected eggs is assessed. Not every follicle contains an egg, and not every retrieved egg reaches the maturity required for freezing.
Suitable mature eggs are frozen using the vitrification method. Vitrification is an ultra-rapid freezing technique designed to minimize the formation of damaging ice crystals within the egg.
The number of mature eggs successfully frozen is reported to the patient after the procedure.
Frozen eggs are stored in controlled cryopreservation tanks. Each sample is identified with unique patient-specific codes. Record keeping, identification, and monitoring processes are carried out within the laboratory's quality control system.
To continue storage, the required consent forms and contact information must be renewed regularly.
For most patients, the period from the start of medication to egg retrieval is approximately 10–14 days. When initial tests, medical board reports, and other preparations are taken into account, the overall timeline may be longer.
In time-sensitive situations, such as before cancer treatment, the process is planned simultaneously with the relevant specialists. The day of the menstrual cycle on which treatment can begin is determined according to the individual's circumstances.
Work and daily activities: Patients who feel well can usually return to light daily activities the following day.
Rest: It is advisable to rest on the day of egg retrieval.
Exercise: Since the ovaries may become temporarily enlarged, strenuous exercise, jumping, and heavy lifting should be avoided.
Sexual intercourse: During treatment and for a short period afterward, patients may be advised to refrain from sexual intercourse for the period recommended by their physician.
Driving: Because of sedation or anesthesia, patients should not drive on the day of the procedure.
Travel: If the patient's general condition is satisfactory, short trips may be planned. It is recommended to be accompanied by another person on the day of the procedure, while longer journeys should be arranged according to the follow-up schedule.
Before the procedure, all medications, supplements, allergies, and chronic medical conditions should be reported to the healthcare team. The fasting instructions provided according to the anesthesia plan should be followed carefully.
The trigger injection must be administered at the scheduled time. If there is any delay or mistake regarding the timing, the healthcare team should be informed immediately.
After the procedure, mild pelvic discomfort, abdominal fullness, and light vaginal spotting may occur. Prescribed medications should be used as directed. Patients are advised to consult their treatment team before taking pain relievers or any additional medications.
The healthcare team should be contacted immediately if any of the following symptoms develop:
These symptoms do not occur in every patient. Current ovarian stimulation and monitoring protocols are individualized to minimize preventable risks based on each patient's response.
Referring to a single success rate for egg freezing can be misleading. Outcomes should instead be evaluated through different stages of the process, including egg survival after thawing, fertilization, embryo development, clinical pregnancy, and live birth.
The biological potential of eggs is largely related to the age at which they are collected. Eggs retrieved at younger ages generally have a higher likelihood of producing healthy embryos.
Long-term storage of frozen eggs does not, by itself, increase their biological age. However, maternal health risks at the age when pregnancy is achieved require separate evaluation.
Not every follicle seen on ultrasound contains an egg. Likewise, not every retrieved egg reaches the level of maturity required for freezing.
The likelihood of achieving a future live birth may increase as the number of frozen mature eggs increases. However, no specific number of eggs can guarantee pregnancy. The target number is individualized according to the patient's age, ovarian reserve, and response to treatment.
AMH levels and the antral follicle count help estimate how the ovaries may respond to stimulation medications and approximately how many eggs may be retrieved.
Even two women of the same age with similar AMH levels may have different treatment outcomes. The actual response observed during the first treatment cycle provides valuable information for future planning.
The assessment, freezing, storage, and thawing of eggs are carried out in the embryology laboratory. Validated laboratory protocols, equipment monitoring, identification systems, and quality control records are fundamental components of the process.
When evaluating a fertility center, patients may ask how the number of frozen eggs is reported, how storage monitoring is performed, and under what conditions future thawing procedures are carried out.
When pregnancy is planned, the frozen eggs are thawed under controlled laboratory conditions. Viable mature eggs are fertilized using intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). If fertilization occurs, the embryos are monitored in the laboratory for several days.
An appropriately developing embryo may then be transferred into the uterus following evaluation of the uterus and the patient's general health. In Turkey, the use of frozen eggs is carried out in accordance with the legislation in force at the time of treatment.
Pregnancy and live birth are possible using frozen eggs. However, the probability is not the same for every patient. The outcome depends on the age at which the eggs were frozen, the number of surviving eggs after thawing, successful fertilization, and embryo development.
The fact that the process involves multiple biological stages does not necessarily mean that failure will occur. Individualized counseling helps explain these stages as realistic probabilities rather than as a chain of inevitable negative outcomes.
Eggs can preserve their biological characteristics for a long period when stored under appropriate cryopreservation conditions. There is no known mechanism indicating that eggs age spontaneously simply because the storage period becomes longer.
Under the current regulations in Turkey, frozen eggs may be stored for up to five years. Storage beyond five years requires permission from the Ministry of Health. To continue storage, patients are required to provide written consent to the fertility center each year and keep their contact information up to date.
As legal regulations and application procedures may change over time, the current requirements should be confirmed with the fertility center where the eggs are stored.
The egg freezing process in İzmir is planned according to an individualized schedule, beginning with the initial consultation and continuing through the follow-up visit after egg retrieval. During the first consultation with Assoc. Prof. Funda Göde, MD, medical eligibility, legal requirements, the estimated treatment duration, and the components of the treatment cost are explained.
When searching for an IVF specialist in İzmir, factors such as accessibility to the physician during treatment, the follow-up plan, and the way laboratory procedures are explained should be evaluated in addition to the clinic's location. During a consultation with an IVF specialist in İzmir, patients may ask how ovarian reserve is interpreted and what can realistically be expected from a single treatment cycle.
For patients traveling from outside the city for oocyte cryopreservation in İzmir, it can be discussed in advance whether the initial tests may be completed in their hometown. Once treatment begins, the dates for ultrasound monitoring are determined.
Patients should come with a companion on the day of egg retrieval and should not drive on the same day. Travel back to another city should be planned according to the patient's condition after anesthesia and the physician's recommendations.
When choosing an IVF center in İzmir, patients should inquire not only about treatment services but also about patient identification systems, storage procedures, emergency communication protocols, and annual consent requirements.
No. Not every follicle may release an egg. Among the eggs retrieved, those that have reached the appropriate maturity for freezing are preserved through vitrification. The total number of eggs retrieved may differ from the number of mature eggs that are frozen.
Stimulating the ovaries with medication does not mean that all eggs to be used in the future will be depleted. The treatment makes use of follicles that have begun to develop that month but would otherwise be lost during the natural process. Current data do not indicate that egg freezing treatment brings on menopause earlier.
Yes. Freezing eggs does not prevent natural pregnancy. The likelihood of a natural pregnancy in the future depends on age, ovarian reserve, the condition of the fallopian tubes, sperm quality, and other health factors. Frozen eggs can be used in IVF treatment if needed.
Genetic testing is not routinely performed directly on frozen eggs. Once the eggs have been thawed and fertilized, genetic testing options may be considered for the resulting embryos if there is a medical indication.
Since the procedure is usually performed under short-term sedation or anesthesia, the patient does not experience significant pain during the procedure. Afterward, mild groin pain, a feeling of fullness, or spotting may occur for a few days. Severe or progressively worsening pain should not be considered normal.
Note: This content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. A physician evaluation is required for personal diagnosis and treatment planning.
